PLDT Enterprise Champions Innovation-Driven Industry Collaboration at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025

Every digital transaction – from paying bills to running a business – depends on one thing: trust. At the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025, PLDT Enterprise showcased how secure and collaborative technologies are helping build that trust across the Philippines.

Building on the recent launch of SmartSafe – the country’s first telco-powered anti-fraud API suite that adopts GSMA Open Gateway standards – the corporate business arm of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) joined top technology players, telcos, and policy leaders at GSMA’s Summit to champion innovation and partnership.

Led by PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group, Blums Pineda, PLDT Enterprise joined several sessions exploring how GSMA’s Open APIs and ecosystem partnerships can accelerate the country’s journey towards a fully digital nation.

“Leveraging on GSMA-certified innovations like SmartSafe, which the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has encouraged other telcos to adopt, we believe that progress will require the collective strength of our ecosystem. Our vision is a connected Philippines powered by collaboration, where industries, developers, and government work together through shared platforms and open innovation,” Pineda explains.

Powering the next phase of digital growth through Open APIs

A panel discussion on “Connecting Possibilities: How Open APIs are Powering the Next Phase of Digital Growth” featured PLDT First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Product Management and Innovations, Nico Alcoseba, who detailed how APIs and GSMA Open Gateway are shaping innovation through open collaboration. These technologies unlock new possibilities for businesses through seamless integration, smarter services, and greater customer value – exemplified by PLDT Enterprise’s recently launched SmartSafe, a real-world example that strengthens digital trust through API-powered solutions.

Meanwhile, a roundtable on “Telco APIs Powering the Next Wave of Fintech Security and Growth” had PLDT Enterprise Senior Manager and Head of Enterprise Innovations and Product Development, Mickey Ruiz, discuss how telco-enabled APIs can strengthen digital trust and fuel innovation across the financial technology ecosystem.

At the main plenary, PLDT and Smart Head of Network Strategy, Eric Santiago, and PLDT Enterprise Head of Strategic Business Development, Mobile Private Networks, IoT and Emerging Technologies, Gio Abaquin, underscored how future-ready connectivity is powering digital transformation across industries and communities nationwide.

Furthering PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to inclusive growth, Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, joined the panel “Empowering MSMEs: Advancing Digital Skills for Inclusive Philippine Growth.” She discussed how the eBizNovation program is enabling MSMEs to embrace digital tools and training that expand opportunities and boost competitiveness.

Empowering healthcare through innovation

Beyond APIs and digital services, PLDT Enterprise continues to lead innovation in other sectors that rely on connectivity and collaboration. During the Summit, the company formalized a strategic partnership with Germany-based health tech innovator apoQlar through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing led by Pineda and witnessed by Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, and Terence Wong, GSMA’s Head for 5G Industry and IoT Community.

The collaboration pioneers the use of Mixed Reality (MR) technology in Philippine healthcare through HoloMedicine, a cloud-based solution that is powered by the 5G network of PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The technology enables health professionals to visualize and interact with medical imaging and patient data in real time, without complex hospital IT integration.

Advancing the Philippines towards a digital nation

From championing open and secure innovation to forging new partnerships, PLDT Enterprise’s participation at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025 reflects its continuing role as a catalyst for digital transformation across industries as well as for the entire nation. “As PLDT Enterprise continues to expand its API ecosystem and enterprise innovations portfolio, we remain steadfast in our goal to power progress through trusted, connected, and collaborative technologies,” Pineda says.

ePLDT Achieves Another Solution Designation as a Microsoft Partner

ePLDT, the ICT arm of PLDT Group, announced its newest designation as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security, a recognition of the company’s dedication to skilling and expertise in delivering best-in-class, end-to-end security solutions across the Microsoft cloud suite.

The Solutions Partner designations are part of Microsoft’s AI Cloud Partner Program, which identifies and differentiates service partners with broad technical capabilities, a dedication to competency development and training, and a proven ability to successfully deliver solutions for customers within a specific Microsoft Cloud key area.

The Solutions Partner for Security designation signifies ePLDT’s capability to help its clients safeguard their entire organization with integrated security, compliance, and identity management solutions.

“Security has become a business imperative, and this recognition from Microsoft further solidifies ePLDT’s commitment in helping organizations address today’s evolving threat landscape,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO, ePLDT

Enterprise and small-to-medium business clients can be assured that ePLDT has the certification and expertise to provide top-level security services and consistently deliver measurable outcomes in safeguarding digital environments. The designation reinforces ePLDT’s capability to offer advanced security services from the Microsoft portfolio, including threat detection, response, and remediation.

“This designation exemplifies ePLDT’s commitment to helping our joint customers unlock the full potential of Microsoft Cloud Security solutions,” said Peter Maquera, CEO, Microsoft Philippines.

Playing a pivotal role in driving digitization in the Philippines to generate inclusive economic growth, ePLDT has consistently emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity for businesses undergoing digital transformation.

By continuously building on its cybersecurity expertise and providing robust security solutions that help businesses protect their data and maintain operations even during cyberattacks, ePLDT enables its customers in various industries to confidently embrace digital transformation initiatives.

Security Bank Earns Three Golden Arrow Awards for Leadership in Corporate Governance

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation received three Golden Arrows from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for excellence in corporate governance, underscoring its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Presented on October 23, 2025, at Okada Manila, the recognition was based on the Bank’s ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) rating of 100–109 points, placing Security Bank among the region’s top companies in upholding best governance practices.

“Receiving the Three Golden Arrows is a proud moment for Security Bank as it affirms the strength of our governance framework and the trust placed in us by our stakeholders,” said Atty. Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman of Security Bank. “This recognition motivates us to push further—enhancing our practices, fostering accountability, and creating sustainable value for the communities we serve.”

This milestone strengthens Security Bank’s commitment to its BetterBanking promise—continuing to lead with integrity, enhancing its governance framework, and embracing evolving standards that shape a more resilient and forward-thinking financial institution.

Empowering Every Filipino: How Globe Is Shaping a Smarter, More Connected Nation

Through the Globe Blueprint Event, Globe continues to redefine the digital landscape in the Philippines by going beyond fast connectivity and focusing on meaningful innovation. Its advancements—from widespread 5G coverage to AI-powered home solutions—are designed with one mission in mind: to empower every Filipino with secure, seamless, and equitable access to essential digital services. This vision places people, not just technology, at the heart of Globe’s evolution.

One of Globe’s strongest contributions to digital transformation is its growing suite of tools that help businesses operate with greater confidence and security. The Globe API Ecosystem and Digitest platform provide companies with advanced authentication systems, enabling safer and smoother customer experiences. At the same time, these tools offer strategic insights and scalable solutions that support long-term business growth. By helping industries strengthen trust and efficiency, Globe empowers businesses to better serve their customers in the digital era.

Connectivity remains fundamental to Globe’s mission, and the company continues to innovate ways to keep Filipinos connected wherever they are in the world. Services like GoRoam and the Roam Kabayan packs ensure travelers and OFWs can stay close to their families without worrying about the complexities or cost of international communication. Back home, Globe’s fiber-powered smart home solutions create safer and more efficient living spaces, allowing families to enjoy reliable internet and AI-driven tools that elevate everyday experiences.

Globe’s commitment to progress extends far beyond infrastructure—it also creates opportunities that uplift communities. Programs like the Globe Student Program and Globe Caravan empower students, families, and social entrepreneurs by offering learning opportunities, career support, and livelihood initiatives. These programs demonstrate how connectivity can open doors to real personal and economic growth.

What truly sets Globe apart is how it transforms digital engagement into meaningful impact. Through rewards programs, customers can easily support charitable causes, participate in community efforts, and provide aid during times of crisis. Every transaction becomes an opportunity to help, turning everyday connectivity into sustainable support for those who need it most.

With continuous investments in technology, community programs, and accessible digital tools, Globe is building more than a connected nation—it is shaping a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive.

Globe Expands Use of Laser Technology for Broadband and 5G in Partnership With Transcelestial

Globe is stepping up its network innovation by adopting Free Space Optics (FSO), a cutting-edge laser technology that delivers fiber-like internet speeds without cables.

Through its shared services arm Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services Inc. (FINSI), Globe has partnered with Singapore-based Transcelestial Technologies to roll out this solution nationwide, strengthening the company’s network transport and broadband capacity.

FSO uses laser beams to transmit data through the air, allowing Globe to quickly build high-speed, reliable connections, even in areas where laying fiber cables is difficult or time-consuming. This makes it ideal for expanding broadband and 5G-ready infrastructure across more communities.

In August 2025, Globe and Transcelestial signed an agreement to accelerate the use of wireless laser communication across the Philippines. The partnership includes the deployment of Transcelestial’s Centauri laser devices for last-mile connectivity, mobile backhaul, and event-based network requirements.

Globe is also exploring Transcelestial’s Legolas long-distance laser links, which can transmit data over distances of up to 15 kilometers, pending successful testing in 2026.

The technology has already proven its reliability in earlier pilots across the Visayas and Mindanao, and during large-scale events such as at the Philippine Arena in 2024, where Transcelestial’s devices powered Globe’s Cell Site on Wheels with seamless high-speed connectivity.

From pilot to standard technology

FSO is no longer just a test for Globe. It’s now part of its standard network infrastructure alongside fiber.

“Free Space Optics is no longer a pilot for Globe. It is now one of our standard transport solutions,” said Gerhard P. Tan, Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations at Globe. “By integrating Transcelestial’s technology into our regular network deployments, we can strengthen our mobile backhaul and deliver high-speed internet to more Filipinos, faster.”

Why FSO matters

● Faster deployment of high-speed connections without major civil works

● Multi-gigabit speeds similar to fiber

● Flexible coverage for hard-to-reach or underserved sites

By embedding this innovation into its network roadmap, Globe continues to advance its commitment to digital inclusion, resilient infrastructure, and next-generation services such as 5G, cloud applications, and intelligent city solutions.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.